On May 25, 2025 at 01:46 PM IST, officials revealed that a cargo ship had sunk off the Kerala coast, sparking concerns about environmental damage. The ship, known as the Liberian-flagged MSC Elsa 3, tilted further and lost containers into the sea, prompting a rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard. Out of the 24 crew members on board, 21 were successfully rescued, while the remaining three stayed onboard following instructions from the company.
Rescue efforts were launched after a distress call from the vessel, which had departed from Vizhinjam port en route to Kochi. The Coast Guard managed to save crew members from various nationalities, including Russian, Filipino, Ukrainian, and Georgian. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship, water ingress ultimately led to its sinking. The Indian Navy ship INS Sujata played a crucial role in rescuing the final three crew members, who were in a precarious situation.
Environmental concerns arose due to floating containers from the sunken ship, posing a threat to other vessels in the area. The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of assessing the situation and issuing advisories to state authorities. With hazardous cargoes like calcium carbide and a significant amount of diesel on board, the potential for pollution and oil spills was a major worry. The sensitive ecosystem of Kerala’s coast added urgency to pollution response preparedness efforts to mitigate any ecological damage.
As the situation unfolded, the Coast Guard and Indian Navy collaborated to monitor the submerged vessel and assess the feasibility of towing it. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued warnings to the public regarding the risk of cargo containers and oil spills washing ashore. With the possibility of oil films appearing along the coast, vigilance and prompt reporting of any sightings were essential. The successful rescue operation highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in maritime emergencies to ensure the safety of crew members and prevent environmental disasters.
